On April 1st, The Guardians Quartet entered a new chapter as ownership of the group officially transferred from Dean Hickman to John Darin Rowsey. After many years at the helm, Hickman has expressed confidence in the future of the group.
“I’m just so so blessed that we we’ve had these opportunities and have done so well,” said Hickman, reflecting on his time with the Quartet. “Our guys today—you know, with Pat Barker there to helm running the road, uh, John Rousey with his fabulous songwriting and arrangements, Mark Hale with a great production he does in all of our concerts, Tony driving the bus with me for 35 years—so thank you Lord for your blessings in my life. Thank you.”
John Darin Rowsey, who is already well known for his musical talents and arrangements, now takes on a leadership role with the group. The Guardians Quartet continues to be made up of Rowsey, Scott Mullins, Paul Lancaster, and Pat Barker.
Dean Hickman expressed strong support for the team now carrying the group forward. He said, “Our guys today… [are] doing so well,” and added that he believes the group is “in good hands.”
With the transition complete, fans of The Guardians Quartet can expect the same dedication to excellence, both on and off the stage, under Rowsey’s new leadership.
The Guardians recently had to change their plans due to severe weather. They were set to perform in Hartford, Alabama on March 15th, but the event was cancelled because of the weather. The group shared a message on their website, saying, “We’re praying for all of those in the path of the storm. Stay weather alert!”.
Despite this setback, The Guardians are continuing with their planned tour and are working to get their music played on the radio. Their new song “Kick Up My Heels and Sing“ has a positive message at a time we all need to hear something positive.
Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Kick Up My Heels and Sing · The Guardians Kick Up My Heels and Sing ℗ 2025 Daywind Records Released on: 2025-01-31 Main Artist: The Guardians Producer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: John Darin Rowsey Composer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: Rodney Griffin Composer: Rodney Griffin Arranger: Wayne Haun
Pat Barker, who sings the bass part for The Guardians, believes that “the world today really needs something happy!”. He further explained his thoughts behind the song, stating, “It’s just it’s happy don’t we need happy right now we need happy it’s it’s quartet singing all the way around it sounds like the guardians it sounds like a quartet and yes that is me singing the bass many people have asked um yes that’s me we didn’t have to hire somebody in for this one,” he said. This highlights the group’s intention to spread joy through their music, especially during difficult times.
The lyrics of “Kick Up My Heels and Sing,” talk about a “Happy Feeling burst into a song”. It emphasizes the idea that “every day is brand new Mercy walking on the King’s Highway there is Joy on this journey every filled with grace”. The lyrics also encourage listeners to “lift up my voice kick up my heels and sing” and express gratitude for blessings received, as in “can’t stop Count the blessing he gives me”. The feeling of joy and anticipation for good things to come is evident in the lines “I’ve got too many Victory just waiting down the road I’m dancing in advance I’ve got to let it show”. Even when facing challenges, the song suggests that “no one is with me can’t stop counting the blessings He gives me.
The southern gospel quartet known as The Guardians is about to enter a new phase in their journey. Dean Hickman, who has led the group for a long time, has announced that John Darin Rowsey will become the new owner on April 1.
(The Guardians) Dean Hickman is a founding member of The Guardians.Â
Dean Hickman reflected on the beginnings of The Guardians. He remembered a call in 1987 from Del Yurick, asking if he could help with some shows in Michigan with Del’s sons, the Yurick brothers. Dean then contacted his friend Harold Patrick, with whom he had previously sung as the Centuries. As Dean recalled, “So I called my buddy Harold Patrick and we had been singing as the centuries, but then we shut down So I said Harold, you still on the bus? He said yeah, I said let’s go up and help him So we did a few dates and then people started calling us and we said wait a minute. We can’t be the Yurick brothers So And it got together in 1988 and said, ‘Oh, let’s go ahead and see where God wants to take this.'”.
This led to the formation of The Guardian’s Quartet in 1988. Dean Hickman explained that they “always sang meaty songs, just loved to minister” as a regional group.
(The Guardians) John Darin Rowsey
Over the years, The Guardians faced changes. Harold Patrick passed away in 2001. Homer Fry, who had sung with the Gospel Harmony Boys, joined the group and stayed until 2012. Dean noted that both Harold and Homer continued to sing shortly before their deaths. John Darin Rowsey joined The Guardians in 2012, and Homer Fry passed away in 2014.
Dean Hickman recognized the potential of the group with John Rowsey. He said, “And then we did a CD and I called John. I said, ‘John, we’ve got blend. You know, maybe God’s wanting to take this somewhere.'”. Dean also shared his philosophy on leadership: “And when you don’t care who gets the credit for done it’s easy you know you get put people in great spots you give them in power you stand back you don’t you don’t need to really do anything just stand back and let them do it”.
Today, The Guardians consist of John Darin Rowsey, Pat Barker, Scott Mullins, and Paul Lancaster. Occasionally, founding member Dean Hickman still joins them on stage. They are known for their unique sound and tight harmony, and their main goal is to share the gospel through their music.
The Guardians have been blessed with three Dove Award nominations, multiple #1 songs, and Fan Awards. Their commitment as a group is to glorify Jesus Christ, and their guiding principle is John the Baptist’s words: “He must increase but I must decrease”. With the upcoming ownership transition, The Guardians are looking forward to continuing their ministry in southern gospel music. Dean Hickman has been involved in southern gospel music for over 60 years.
Paul Lancaster, tenor of The Guardians Quartet, is excited about the release of their new holiday album, Christmas With The Guardians. Among the standout moments on the record is a duet that holds special meaning for him personally.
Speaking about the track, Lancaster shared his enthusiasm for the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The duet features his son, and the close similarity in their voices has drawn attention. “People tell me that the DNA sounds so similar on this thing that it’s hard to tell which one of us is which,” Lancaster said.
The song carries emotional significance for Lancaster, as it serves as a tribute to his late wife. “She would be thrilled to death with this,” he reflected. “She didn’t get excited about much—maybe a good sale at Macy’s—but her kids, right, and her kids.”
When Dean Hickman, the first tenor and founding member of The Guardians, began experiencing health issues a couple of years ago, he made the difficult decision to step back from touring. After decades of performing, Hickman knew it was time to pass the torch. In his place, the group welcomed Paul Lancaster, a fan favorite, to carry on the tenor legacy.
Paul Lancaster has spoken highly of Dean Hickman’s distinctive sound and the challenge of stepping into such a significant role. “He was not your normal tenor,” Lancaster reflects. “He was the kind I liked though, you know, the smooth and classic kind of in that Jim Murray, you know, kind of feel. I grew up being a big fan of [that], and so it was some big shoes to fill, but I tried to come in and not be a hero but just kind of fall in, and it’s been great.”
Hickman’s tenure as first tenor has spanned over 60 years, a testament to his dedication and talent. While he may no longer be on the road, his voice continues to resonate with listeners, particularly on The Guardians’ newest release, Another Life to Give, where he is featured.
Lancaster’s transition into the role has been seamless, honoring Hickman’s legacy while bringing his own touch to the group’s sound. For The Guardians, the road ahead remains bright, even as they cherish the contributions of their founding member.
Texas Gospel Canada Southern Gospel Radio 